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It has been said that all the obligations of humanity could be
summarized by the word "love." A different webpage focuses on the
meaning of that word - a word normally given a distorted meaning. Here
on this page, we focus on some of the specific character qualities which
God says are (or aren't) a part of that "love."
As we examine these
character qualities, we may be surprised to discover that some may be
good or evil, depending on the context. Though the following studies
look at just a few of the character qualities mentioned in the Bible, they
seem to illustrate a trend:
- There are some character qualities that are always required.
- There are some character qualities that are frequently prohibited by
Scripture; yet we discover that in certain contexts they are
required! We need Scripture to define what those contexts are!
- There are some character qualities that seem to be always forbidden. (We need to
carefully examine the Bible, to make sure that these do not actually belong to the second category.)
Some of the Character Traits We SHOULD (Must) Have
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Virtue, Moral Excellence,
Integrity of Character |
It's a part of God's character; it must become a part
of ours. Four New Testament verses use this word (Greek - arete). Two
of them describe
God's character; two describe our obligation.
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HTML / PDF |
Studies on Self-Control |
This study looks at three aspects of
the issue of self-control, based on three different New Testament Greek
word groups. The verses are arranged in outline form.
Questions (for self-examination) are included at the end of each
section, as well as at the end of the entire study.
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HTML / PDF |
Self-Control; Being in/under
Control |
This is a part of a larger study, which examines the way
people often conduct themselves when they are engaging in what they
claim is "fellowship." It was an attempt to show that Scripture does
not endorse so-called "Christian fellowship" that is characterized
mainly by foolish jesting, superficiality, gluttony and people acting
"out of control." (This study is based mainly on the use of these words
in the New International Version.) |
GROUP OF ARTICLES |
Patience |
Patience is a characteristic of love (1 Corinthians 13:4).
This study takes an in-depth look at the issue, and finishes with a
series of questions, for self examination.
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HTML / PDF |
Kindness |
Kindness is a characteristic of love (1 Corinthians 13:4).
This study takes an in-depth look at the issue, and finishes with a
series of questions, for self examination.
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HTML / PDF |
Some of the Character Traits We SHOULD NOT (Must Not) Have
- EXCEPT in certain situations which are clearly defined by Scripture
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Jealousy and Envy; also
About Being "Zealous" |
Not being jealous (or envious) is a characteristic of love (1 Corinthians 13:4).
This study takes an in-depth look at the issue, and finishes with a
series of questions, for self examination. Two notes about this study:
(1) The New Testament Greek word for "jealous" is also translated as "zealous," and that concept is
included here. (2) A second word, often translated as "envy," is also
included here, even though it is not found in the 1 Corinthians 13
passage.
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PDF |
Boasting and Pride |
These are not characteristics of love, according to 1 Corinthians 13:4.
This study takes an in-depth look at these issues. It finishes with a
series of questions, for self examination.
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HTML /
PDF |
Some of the Character Traits We SHOULD NEVER (Must Never) Have
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Hypocrisy |
A hypocrite doesn't just speak a lie...
he lives a lie. This is a study guide on what the New Testament says
about hypocrisy, given in four sections. Most (if not all) of the N.T. verses that
refer to hypocrisy (or its opposite - being "un-hypocritical") are included. |
GROUP OF PAGES |
Misc. comments (and links) related to various character qualities
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Some
character qualities tend to be grouped together because of their similarity;
others can be grouped together because they are opposites. Still others are
related to concepts that are not normally considered to be character
qualities. These links group together articles that are found at various
locations on this website. |
God says (about the ultimate character quality,
which influences all others)...
- "This is the one I esteem:
- he who is humble and contrite in spirit,
- and trembles at my word." (Isaiah 66:2b)
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